Foundation bag and cover therefor



9 E935 M. MILLER FOUNDATION BAG AND COVER THEREFOR Filed July 20, 1935 VE TOR.

Patented Dec. 3, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT- OFFICE FOUNDATION BAG AND COVER THEREFOR Application July 20, 1935, Serial No. 32,331

13 Claims.

This invention relates to devices such as handbags and removable covers therefor.

One object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described having end gussets which are of uniformly uninterrupted V- shape form, and preferably free of any markings or even of the appearance of stitching, except at the extreme top edge, so that a handbag can be produced in which the gussets are interconnected to prevent their bulging outward, and a neat and Workmanlike appearance maintained.

Another object of the invention is to provide such end gussets centrally interconnected solely at their top edges, this principle being applicable both to a foundation bag and a cover.

Another object of the invention is the provision of such gussets operative in an improved manner both for inner and outer pockets of a bag in a unitary manner. v

Another object of the invention is to provide a partition means in improved association with the gussets for retaining and spacing the same, where the partition means may be stiffened in a novel manner or arranged to afiord an inner pocket.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device having improved means adapting the same for use as bags of three distinctive colors, appearances or designs.

Another object of the, invention is to provide improved means for retaining the gussets of a pliable cover in position in interfitting relation with the gussets of a foundation bag.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for reversibly mounting a cover on a foundation bag, and said means desirably affording a handle for the device.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved handle means permanently mounted on a removable handbag cover.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device having few and simple parts, and which is inexpensive to manufacture, neat and attractive in appearance, and durable, reliable and efficient in use.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the specification proceeds.

With the aforesaid objects in view, the invention consists in the novel combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described in their preferred embodiments, pointed out in the subjoined claims, and illustrated in the annexed drawing, wherein like parts are designated by the same reference characters throughout the several views.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective isometric view in closed position of a device embodying the invention. Fig. 2 is a similar view in open position thereof. Fig. 3 is a horizontal cross sectional view of one form of a foundation bag showing the centrally interconnected end gussets.

Fig. 4 is a central vertical sectional view of a device taken on line 44 of Fig. 2, and disclosing the top edges of an end gusset.

Fi 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a view in fragmentary end elevation of the foundation bag fully expanded and showing the novel end gusset arrangement.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary top plan view of the gusseted cover in detached position.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of an open ended cover embodying the invention.

Figs. 9 and 10 are sectional views taken respectively on the lines 9-9 and Ill-Ill of Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line ll-|l of Fig. 12 and showing a novel stiffening insert.

' Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken on the line |2-l2 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a top plan view showing a modification of the gusset arrangement. Fig. 14 is a fragmentary view in end elevation thereof.

The advantages of the invention as here outlined are best realized when all of its features and instrumentalities are combined in one and the same structure, but, useful devices may be produced embodying less than the whole.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the invention appertains, that the same may be incorporated in several difierent constructions. The accompanying drawing, therefore, is submitted merely as showing the preferred exemplification of the invention.

Referring in detail to the drawing, l4 denotes a device embodying the invention. The same may include a foundation bag "5 and a cover l5 therefor.

In Fig. 3 is shown one form 16a of the foundation bag. The same may include a plurality of outer walls I! and a plurality of inner walls i8.

The inner and outer walls are interconnected at their ends at l9, and are also interconnected at spaced points 20 located inward ofthe connections Hi. In this manner an inner pocket 2| and a plurality of outer pockets 22 are provided. The

inner pocket 2| may beeliminated so that the portions of the inner walls which lie between the connections 20 may constitute merely a partition. In any case, the adjacent end portions 23 of the inner walls constitute a gusset at each end of the bag. This gusset is of uniformly V-shape, and is free of stitching, fastenings and the reentrant portions which would mar the uniform appearance of the gussets.

The foundation bag l6 shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6 is similar to the bag |6a, except that auxiliary gusset members 24 are provided which are connected to the side walls l1 as at l9 to provide a cross brace that relieves the strain on the stitching 20. It is to be borne in mind that the inner wall members are generally formed of a more soft and less sturdy material than the outer walls and gussets, and thus the gussets 24 take a substantial portion of the strain when the bag |6 is expanded.

If the gusset members 24 were merely connected at l9, they might bulge outwardly when the bag I6 is collapsed. Nevertheless it is preferred not to mar the appearance of the gussets 24 by connecting or stitching the same to the inner walls therealong. Hence the gussets 24 are stitched to the gusset portions 23 solely along the top edges at 25, and along the side margins at l9.

As seen in Fig. 6, except for the stitching at 25, the gussets 24 are wholly uniform in appearance, producing an attractive effect when the bag is partly or wholly expanded. Since the gusset 24 is inwardly maintained only at the top, a soft inward flaring fold effect of the gusset is obtainable.

Simultaneously the gusset portions 23 tend to restrain articles in the outer pockets from causing outward deformation of the free portions of the gussets 24.

A feature of my improvement is the simplicity and ease with which the bag can be constructed by placing inner and outer walls over each other and stitching them together with the gussets in practically a single operation.

The bag I6 may, if desired, have a flap 26 to close the top openings of the pockets.

The cover I may have a pair of side walls 21, 21a, from the latter of which extends a flap 21b. The cover side walls may be interconnected by end gussets 28, in any suitable manner.

To prevent the dropping out of the cover end gussets 28, means may be provided for interconnecting the same independently of the foundation bag l6. Hence the latter may be used independently of the cover, without showing any external or other fastening means. Thus the end gussets 28 may be interconnected at their upper ends, preferably centrally only, as by a tension element 29, which may be flexible, and can consist of a piece of elastic, ribbon or chain material, connected in any suitable manner, for example, by detachable clips 30 or the like. If an elastic element be used, the same may be permanently connected to the end gussets 28 and may be sprung over the foundation bag. To afford clearance for the flexible element, the gusset elements 23, 24, and 28 may be downwardly concaved as shown at 3| in Figs. 4 and 14.

The inner pocket 2| may have closure means such as a slide fastener 32 which may thus lie along a line at the bottom of the concavities 3|.

The partition or inner pocket walls 3 may act in compression against the tension of the element 29, and hence may be suitably stiffened if desired.

For example, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, a tI-shape reenforcement or stiffening element 33 may be used, made of wire or flat sheet material and leaving the inner pocket, in which it is dis posed, substantially unobstructed. In this man- 5 ner the gussets 28 are'maintained in accurate relation to the foundation bag in closed and in the expanded positions.

It may be noted, incidentally, that according to Figs. 11 and 12, the outer pockets 22 may be closed at the bottom, in relation to each other, as by linings 34 that extend continuously along adjacent walls Na and Ma. of the respective pockets and may be connected thereto at points I9. The outer wall elements I 1a consist of a single sheet of material, and the inner wall elements are free of the bottom portion of said material to facilitate freedom in expansion of the bag. The gussets 24a correspond to those at 24.

To attach the cover l5 to the foundation bag, and particularly to the-flap 26 thereof, any suitable means may be provided including, for instance, an elongated member 35 that may serve one or more of the functions of attaching the cover to the foundation bag, acting as a closure, and affording a handle for the bag. Thus the front wall H of the foundation bag and the flap 26 thereof may have loop elements such as 36, 31 respectively, adapted to register with corresponding holes or slots 36a, 31a in the front cover 3 wall 21 and in the flap 21b thereof. Desirably, the loops 36, 31 are rigid material and are adapted to project through said slots. These loops may be permanently secured to the foundation bag in a rigid manner and may lie externally thereof along horizontal lines and centrally about a ver tical plane.

The strap 35 extends along the outside of the cover and is passed through the loops 36, 31 in a continuous manner, with the end portions 38 40 thereof terminating intermediate of the loops 36, 31 at the front of the bag and being detachably interconnected as by snap fastener means 39.

While the loops 36, 31 act as a positioning means for the cover, the removable strap serves 5 to retain the cover in engagement with the loops.

The portion 40 of the strap may afford a handle whereby the device l5 may be carried. It is seen that while such handle is on the outside of the cover, it is nevertheless direct connected to the foundation bag in a secure manner to prevent pulling off the cover by the handle.

The cover may be reversible and can be attached to the foundation bag in either position. Likewise the strap may be reversible.

If desired the fastening elements 39 may be used to connect the respective ends of the strap to the cover instead of to interconnect the strap.

The cover may have a portion 4| adapted to infold into the foundation bag over the front wall I1 thereof to afford a neat appearance and aid in the retention of the cover.

In Figs. 8 to 10 is shown a modification 42 of the cover which may be like the cover |5 except that the gussets are omitted so that the cover is laterally open. However, this cover may include a handle means different than that afiorded by the strip 35, which handle means is provided in the cover l5, but is preferably described in regard to the cover 42 in which it is more clearly shown in the drawing.

To my knowledge a handle as a permanent part of a reversible handbag cover, has never heretofore been devised. Such handle must avoid bulkiness, must be conventionally located,

for convenience and to prevent a pull such as would release the cover from the foundation bag. I may utilize a cover of one or,more sheets of material, and a plurality of handle elements 43, 44 connected thereto at the same points for mutual reenforcement. Since the handles are stitched to the cover at the same points, it becomes a problem to properly aline the handles in quantity production work. Hence I provide a plurality of slits 45 in the cover through which the end portions of one handle 44 are passed. Thus while the handles lie on opposite sides of the cover, yet the handle 43 directly overlies and can be accurately rapidly alined with the end portions of the handle 44 to be stitched therewith to the cover in one operation by marginal or other fastening or stitching means 46.

The different handles 43, 44 may correspond in appearance with the respective sides of the cover. When used in the assembly as shown in Fig. 5, the strap 35 may be passed under the external one of the handles 43, 44.

The cover means may be removed and the foundation bag used alone with the strap 35 passed through the loops 36, 31. The same general external appearance will be obtained as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In fact, a cover l5 may be used as an independent bag as shown in.Fig. 7.

In Figs. 13 and 14 is shown a modified foundation bag 41, having a modified gusset arrangement, which while generally similar to that shown in Figs. 4 and 5, may differ therefrom solely in that the gussets are used to afford expansibility for the inner pocket, and yet without affecting the uniform appearance of the gussets. Thus the inner walls I8b are interconnected by inner gussets 48 as at 49, the inner gussets conforming to the outer gussets 24.. Or, the walls l8b may be directly secured to the gussets 24b, which are like those at 24, by cementing or the like. In any case, the gussets 242) are connected as at 25 in Fig. 6 to the walls ill) or gussets 48 or both, and may be otherwise free thereof. Thus the apical portions of the folds of gussets 24b extend inward between the walls 181) for simultaneous unitary expansion of the inner and outer pockets. The gussets 48 and 24b may be downwardly concaved at 3 lb in the manner shown at 3|, and the bag may have a flap 26b like that at 26.

I claim:

1. A handbag including a foundation bag, a removable cover therefor, said foundation bag and cover having interfitting end gussets and having side walls connected to their respective gussets, a gusset spacing partition wall in the foundation bag interconnecting the gussets thereof, and a tension element overlying portions of the foundation bag gussets and interconnecting the gussets of the cover.

2. A handbag including a foundation bag, a removable cover therefor, said foundation bag and cover having interfitting end gussets and having side walls connected to their respective gussets, the different gussets being downwardly concaved, and a flexible tension element interconnecting the gussets of the cover and overlying the foundation bag gussets in the concavities thereof.

3. A handbag including a foundation bag having a pocket portion and a flap portion adapted to overlie a side thereof, and a removable cover for said bag, the latter having loops on the flap and on the said side of the pocket portion, the cover having openings through which the said loops extend, a strap extending around the cover and passing through said loops to retain the cover on the bag, and means for releasably interconnecting the ends of the strap at a point intermediate of said loops.

4. A device including a foundation bag having a top opening and a closure flap therefor, a 5 cover for removably overlying the bag including the flap thereof, the bag having loop means including a loop on the flap thereof, the cover having spaced holes in register with said loop means, anda flexible means extending over the cover and passing through the loop means at the holes in the cover for securing the latter to the bag and the flap thereof.

5. A device including a foundation bag having a top opening and a closure flap therefor, a cover for removably overlying the bag including the flap thereof, the bag having loops on the body and on the flap thereof, said loops being vertically spaced from each other on one side of the bag, the cover having holes in register with the loops 0 and having a portion infolded over an adjacent side wall of the bag body, and a strap extending continuously over the cover and through the loops at said holes, and said strap being releasably interconnected at a point intermediate of the loops at said side of the bag.

6. A handbag including a foundation bag, a reversible cover therefor, and handle means for the cover whereby the handbag can be carried, said cover having a plurality of spaced openings, 30 the handle means including handle elements on opposite sides of the cover, one handle element having end portions passing through said openings for interconnection with the end portions of the other handle, and the different end portions of the handles being connected to the cover, and one handle being concealed between the cover and the foundation bag, whereby the handles mutually reenforce each other in their connections with the cover and are readily alined for 40 connection to the cover.

7. A reversible handbag cover including handles having end portions alined on one side of the cover and marginally stitched thereto, said cover having spaced openings intermediate of the points of connection of said end portions with the cover, one of the handles extending through said openings to provide a handle portion on the opposite side of the cover.

8. A handbag including a foundation bag, a removable cover therefor, a. plurality of loops on the foundation bag, the cover having openings to receive the loops, and a handle reversibly engaged with the loops and located outside of the cover.

9. A handbag including a foundation bag, a removable cover therefor, and a handle outside of the cover, said handle being reversibly engaged with the foundation bag through holes in the cover.

10. A handbag including a foundation bag, a removable end cover, said bag and cover having corresponding end gussets, a tension element separate of the bag, extending over the gussets thereof and interconnecting the gussets of the cover, the gussets of the foundation bag having top openings to receive the tension element.

11. A handbag having a plurality of upright spaced inner and outer walls providing an inner pocket and a plurality of outer pockets, end gussets for said walls, each gusset having a single upright fold line substantially centrally located between the upright ends of the gusset, the outer walls being connected to the gussets at said upright ends thereof, and the inner walls being 10- cated on opposite sides of the fold lines of the gussets with each inner wall being secured so that each end thereof lies between a fold line of a gusset and an upright end thereof, whereby the gussets permit expansion of the inner and outer pockets, and the said walls and gussets being relatively smooth and uniform internally and extera; nally of the handbag.

12. A handbag including a foundation bag, a removable cover therefor, said foundation bag and cover having infolded interfitting end gussets and having side walls connected to the respective gussets, and a tension strip element interconnecting the gussets of the cover only and overlying the main portion of the foundation bag, whereby the gussets of the cover are maintained infolded.

13. A handbag including a foundation bag, a removable cover for substantially enclosing the same, a plurality of spaced loops on the foundation bag, the removable cover having holes in register with the loops, and a handle removably engaged with the loops independently of said cover, and located outside of the cover.

MURIEL MILLER. 

